The state Department of Health says its investigators have linked three cases of illness caused by salmonella infection to ducklings purchased from a Tractor Supply Company store in Inver Grove Heights.

The health department says the cases are associated with a multistate outbreak being investigated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The ill Minnesotans ranged in age from 18 to 60 years old. The cases occurred from late March through early April.

State Public Health Veterinarian Joni Scheftel says the outbreak shows the importance of washing your hands thoroughly after handling chicks, ducklings or other birds.

Salmonella can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Young children, pregnant women and the elderly can have more severe disease.